solnamu

It really wasn't that long ago that humans actually gained some level of undersanding about disease. Of course there is a long way to go but the ignorance and superstition that abounded just a century and a half ago is considerable when viewed with hindsight. This is an excellent read, telling the story of Cholera in London in terms of a specific outbreak, although only one of many at the time which provides great context. Central to the explanation of story is the search of the source and even the cause - the main debate being between those convinced it had to do with foul air (miasma) and those looking at a water based vector. Even once apparently proven, this debate rumbled on well after this particular epidemic. I liked the explanation of Cholera and why it was so deadly - despite the fact that rehydration is the key to treatment this wasn't widely given. Doubtless there are some liberties taken with the strict science that may upset purists, but in a primarily historical text I think the attention given to the disease itself is appropriate. This type of work is important as a reminder that we, in the west, are very fortunate to live when we do and it was't long ago that life was easily snuffed out by such diseases, as it still is in many parts of the world.

2020-12-23 08:28